Lake birding habitat

Arivaca Lake

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Arivaca Lake is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 294 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, and White-winged Dove among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/21/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.1 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

7/21/2026Coronado National Forest, Tubac US-AZ 31.55501, -111.083122 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/21/2026Coronado National Forest, Tubac US-AZ 31.55501, -111.083121 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/21/2026Amado WTP1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/20/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Ramosomyia violiceps

7/19/2026Market House1 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/18/2026Market House1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/16/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

7/15/2026Pena Blanca Lake1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

7/14/2026Amado WTP2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mexican Duck

117/21/2026

Ruddy Duck

57/21/2026

Common Ground Dove

37/21/2026

White-winged Dove

147/21/2026

Mourning Dove

37/21/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

27/21/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

27/21/2026

American Coot

37/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/21/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/21/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

27/21/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/21/2026

Gray Hawk

17/21/2026

Gila Woodpecker

27/21/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Black Phoebe

17/21/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

67/21/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

27/21/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

27/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Arivaca Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Arivaca Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Arivaca Lake?
Notable species at Arivaca Lake include Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, American Coot. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Arivaca Lake?
Birding at Arivaca Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Arivaca Lake?
Arivaca Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.